ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 31.17 Crore vaccine doses provided by Government of India to States/UTs
More than 1.45 crore doses still available with States/UTs to be administered
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
More than 31.17 crore  vaccine doses have been provided by Government of India to States/UTs so far, through Government of India  and through direct state procurement category.
Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 29,71,80,733 doses .
More than 1.45 crore  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Furthermore, more than 19,10,650 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the States/UTs within the next 3 days.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Steps by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to increase shrimp production
The Marine Products Export Development Authority  has informed that a target of US$ 8,868 million for seafood export for year 2022-23 has been set which also includes Shrimp exports.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has communicated state-wise targets to increase the area under brackish water aquaculture with aim to enhance shrimp production in the country. Further, Shrimp farming is taking roots in the states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Through the flagship scheme “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana ”, Department of Fisheries, Government of India supports quality shrimp production, species diversification, promotion of export-oriented species, branding, standards and certification, training and capacity building, creation of post harvest infrastructure etc. The Government of India through a Marine Products Export Development Authority  Act, 1972 has created dedicated agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to facilitate export of seafood. The MPEDA enrols exporters, lay down quality standards, liaisons with importers to boost the exports and conducts capacity building programme like training, awareness campaigns, workshop/ meets for relevant stakeholders to improve their technical know-how for better production and productivity. In addition, MPEDA is also extending technical assistance to the farmers on better management practices to produce disease and residue free safe seafood for export.
This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
SECI, a CPSU, conducts e-Reverse Auction for the 400 MW RE projects with RTC supply
Results in historic first year tariff of Rs. 2.90/kWh
Indian Renewable Energy  sector has witnessed history today, as the e-Reverse Auction for 400 MW RE Projects with Round the Clock  supply, was concluded at an astounding first year tariff of Rs.2.90/kWh. The bidding was conducted by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd., a Central PSU under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The capacity of 400 MW has been awarded to M/s ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. after a closely fought auction which saw the lowest tariff drop by 69 paise over the course of almost 3 hours.
Complementing SECI for this effort Shri R. K. Singh, the Union Minister of State , Power and New & Renewable Energy & Minister of State, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said in a tweet last evening, “Golden chapter added in Indian Renewable Energy story, as e-RA for 400 MW RE Projects with Round the Clock  supply conducted by SECI Ltd results in historic 1st year tariff of Rs.2.90/kWh. MNRE makes a new beginning towards firm, schedulable & affordable RTC supply through 100% RE power.”
The tender for 400 MW capacity had received a strong participation, with 4 bidders submitting their bids for a total capacity of 950 MW. 3 out of the 4 bidders, namely M/s ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Ltd., M/s Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd and M/ HES Infra Pvt Ltd. were finally shortlisted for the e-Reverse Auction. M/s Ayana Renewable Power Pvt. Ltd. was the fourth bidder. Power from this project is targeted to be sold to the NDMC and Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with each entity off taking a capacity of 200 MW. There was no ceiling tariff for the Projects, and the developers are free to set up the project on a Pan-India basis. The projects under this tender will be set up under the Build-Own-Operate model.
What makes the tariff a historic one, is the fact that this tender provides for a Round the Clock energy supply from 100% RE based energy generation sources, such as wind and solar PV, combined with storage. The developer will be provided a maximum time period of 24 months from the Effective Date of PPA. The first year tariff shall be escalated @3% on an annual basis, up to the 15th year of the 25-year Term of the PPA. As a result, the effective tariff for the said Project amounts to Rs.3.59/kWh. Compared to the tariffs witnessed in conventional sources of generation, this tariff offers a much better proposition for the Disocms to meet their energy demand through 100% RE supply.
As per the bid conditions, the developer is mandated to fulfil an annual minimum CUF requirement of 80%, and a monthly CUF requirement of 70%. Failure to achieve the above requirements in terms of the PPA, would result in removal of tariff escalation in the subsequent year, until the above requirements are achieved in a particular year. In terms of the above requirements, the tender therefore achieves a major milestone towards the MNRE's and SECI's efforts in realizing a firm, assured schedulable RE power supply model, which may inevitably, replace a conventional project, at a more viable tariff.
Ministry of Finance
Covid 19 : Premium payment for health policy holders and third party motor insurance eased
The Government has provided relief for third party Motor Insurance and Health policy holders in the light of Covid-19 lockdown. The Ministry of Finance has issued notifications on April 1, 2020, stating that the renewal dates of Health and Motor insurance policies which fall in the period from March 25, 2020, to April 14, 2020, are extended till April 21, 2020 due to Coronavirus lockdown.
According to the notification issued by Ministry of Finance, "The policyholders whose motor vehicle third party insurance policies fall due for renewal during the period on and from the 25th March 2020 up to the 14th April 2020 and who are unable to make payment of their renewal premium on time in view of the prevailing situation in the country as a result of Covid 19 are allowed to make such payment to their insurers on or before the 21st April 2020 to ensure continuity of the statutory motor vehicle third party insurance cover from the date on which the policy falls due for renewal.”
Similarly, if your health insurance policy is expiring and is due for renewal in the period from March 25, 2020, to April 14, 2020, you can renew your policy by April 21, 2020.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Shri Amrutbhai Kadiwala
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Shri Amrutbhai Kadiwala.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Pained on demise of RSS Gujarat Prant leader Shri Amrutbhai Kadiwala. His social contribution shall ever be remembered. Heartfelt prayer for the peace of departed soul....Om shanti."
Ministry of Women and Child Development
India no longer figures in the United Nations General Assembly Security Council Children and Armed Conflict Report of the Secretary-General in view of measures taken by the Government to better protect children
Road map for cooperation and collaboration on child protection issues was developed under the guidance and leadership of Union WCD Minister
India was being mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General on Children and armed conflict since 2010 along with other countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Lake Chad basin, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Philippines for alleged recruitment and use of boys by armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir; detainment of boys by Indian security forces in J&K for their alleged association with armed groups, or on national security grounds; children killed and maimed by Indian security forces, including by the use of pellets; unidentified perpetrators, crossfire between armed groups and unidentified perpetrators, and crossfire and shelling across the line of control.
The Government of India had been consistently engaged in efforts to exclude our country’s name from this ignoble list. The ongoing engagement of the Government of India with the Special Representative of the Secretary General  sped up after an inter-ministerial meeting was held in November 2021 with Shri Indevar Pandey, the Secretary Ministry of Women and Child Development , Ministry of External Affairs, Permanent Mission of India at New York, and the MHA from the Government of India, and Ms Virginia Gamba, Special representative of the Secretary-General for Children and the UN officials in New Delhi. It led to an agreement to appoint a national focal point to identify priority national interventions to enhance protection of children, joint technical mission to hold inter-ministerial, technical-level meetings with the UN to identify areas of enhanced cooperation for child protection. Under the guidance and leadership of Smti. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Women And Child Development, a road map for cooperation and collaboration on child protection issues was developed by the Ministry.
The technical team of the office of the SRSG visited India on 27-29 July 2022. This was followed by a workshop on strengthening child protection held in Jammu & Kashmir in November, 2022 by the Ministry of WCD in collaboration with the MHA, and the Govt. of J&K with the participation of the United Nations. All statutory service delivery structures like the Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Boards under the Juvenile Justice  Act 2015 have been established.
In view of the measures taken by the Government to better protect children, India has been removed from the report in 2023.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Restoration of Old Pension Scheme
The National Pension System  was introduced for Central Government employees w.e.f. 01.01.2004 vide Ministry of Finance  Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB & PR dated 22.12.2003 for all new recruits joining the Central Government service  from 01.01.2004.
On introduction of the National Pension System, the Central Civil Services  Rules, 1972 were amended. Accordingly, the benefits of old pension scheme under the Central Civil Services  Rules, 1972 are not admissible to the Central Government civil servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004, under the amended rules.
There is no proposal to reintroduce old pension scheme to Central Government civil employees joined on or after 01.01.2004 under consideration of Government of India.
NPS is now regulated under PFRDA Act, 2013 and regulations framed there under by PFRDA and Department of Financial Services. As per information furnished by Department of Financial Services:
The returns being market linked is a basic design feature of the National Pension System , however, pension being a long term product also enables the investments to grow with decent returns, despite short term volatility. Further, the prudential guidelines stipulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority , the skills of the professional Fund Managers chosen through a rigorous process, and choice of asset allocation across various asset classes  enable the subscriber’s accumulations to grow over the long term, riding over the short term volatility.
To safeguard the interest of the subscribers against any possible erosion of the pension wealth in times of an economic downturn, the exposure of equity/ equity linked
instruments have been limited to only 15 % in the default scheme, which is made available to the Government subscribers in a default mode. Equity exposure exceeding this limit of 15% is only available for the subscribers who choose to exercise individual investment choice while moving out of the default scheme. Further, risk averse subscribers can also choose to invest their entire contribution  in Government bonds.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. JItendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation. He was a beacon of peace for our region and the world.
Sultan Qaboos was a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a vibrant strategic partnership between India and Oman. I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Mann Ki Baat programme has now become programme of Dil Ki Baat, Ghar Ki Baat- Prakash Javadekar
Pune residents listened to Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat today, in the company of Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar. While talking to the audience after the programme, the Union Minister said,
"This is second edition of Mann ki Baat Programme of Prime Minister. This programme has become a household name and very popular programme. Because it comes from the heart and it touches everybody.Therefore, today he laid emphasis on Water conservation, water retention, efficient utilisation of water, water saving. Prime Minister also talked about Book corner, reading culture, he gave example of students who have conquered cancer and are playing at world stage. Prime Minister also talked about Chandrayaan and inspired students to do study in Space technology. He promised to take winners from quiz contest to Sriharikota. Prime Minister talked about cleanliness because Swachh Bharat has become national mission now. He talked about dialogue and development taking place in Kashmir and how it has defeated nefarious designs of separatists. Prime Minister finally appealed that 15th August should become a public movement and a household ceremony."
R.Tidke/M.Chopade/P.Kor
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
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India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 197.11 Cr
Over 3.63 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 94,420
17,073 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.57%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 3.39%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 197.11 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,56,08,118 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 3.63 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,04,08,715
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2nd Dose
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1,00,61,938
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Precaution Dose
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56,33,153
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,84,23,127
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2nd Dose
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1,76,21,255
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Precaution Dose
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1,00,17,163
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Age Group 12-14 years
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1st Dose
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3,63,25,473
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2nd Dose
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2,26,05,533
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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6,03,10,898
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2nd Dose
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4,83,94,953
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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55,81,18,357
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2nd Dose
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50,02,44,468
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Precaution Dose
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25,77,906
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,34,25,151
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2nd Dose
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19,32,03,498
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Precaution Dose
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23,70,927
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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12,72,35,709
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2nd Dose
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12,06,58,820
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Precaution Dose
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2,35,54,285
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Precaution Dose
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4,41,53,434
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Total
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1,97,11,91,329
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 94,420. Active cases now constitute 0.22% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.57%. 15,208 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,27,87,606.
17,073 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 3,03,604 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 86.10 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 3.39% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 5.62%.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
About 10,000 Jobs Created Under Sagarmala in Last Three Years
The Minister of State for Shipping  and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri MansukhMandaviya in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed that approximately 10,000 jobs have been created through projects initiated under Sagarmala by Ministry of Shipping during the last three years.
The Minister also provided information about thestate-wise number of projects which have been initiated till May 2019, by the Ministry under Sagarmala. The details are as follows-
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State/UT
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No. of Projects
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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1
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Andhra Pradesh
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29
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Assam
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1
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Bihar
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1
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Goa
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16
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Gujarat
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32
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Karnataka
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24
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Kerala
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19
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Lakshadweep
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1
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Maharashtra
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75
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Odisha
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25
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Puducherry
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2
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Tamil Nadu
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75
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West Bengal
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33
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Total
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334
Shri Mandaviya further informed that there has been an increase of 54% in the cargo carried through coastal shipping and navigable waterways since the inception of the Sagarmala Programme.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
R&D in Seeds Production
In order to develop new varieties, Indian Council of Agricultural Research  through its 57 Institutes and 40 All India Coordinated Research Projects/ All India Network Projects operating in more than 930 centres across 45 State/Central Agricultural Universities primarily promotes research on improvement of seed/varieties of various crops including grains and vegetables. In addition, eight special projects viz., ICAR-National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture , four Consortium Research Projects, Incentivizing Research in Agriculture Project, Network Project on Translational Genomics in Crop Plants and National Agricultural Science Fund also focus on climate change research in seed varieties. As a result of robust research system, a record production of food grains has been achieved at 323.055 Million MT in 2022-23  and 345.32 Million MT of Horticultural crops during 2021-22.
In order to enhance the export of seeds, India has become a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development  Seed Scheme from 2008. The scheme authorizes the use of labels and certificates for seeds produced and processed for international trade according to OECD guidelines and hassle free export to OECD member countries. The scheme also facilitates the export of seeds by the removal of technical trade barriers through international recognized labels. Moreover, through Export Import Committee i.e. EXIM Committee, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare also facilitates the import and export of seeds.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
IPS Officer Trainees of 2016 batch call on PM
Over 110 Officer Trainees of the 2016 batch of the Indian Police Service, today called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Interacting with the Officer Trainees, the Prime Minister emphasized on the importance of subjects such as a human approach in policing; and technology. He recalled the sacrifices of over 33,000 police personnel, who have laid down their lives since independence, in line of duty.
The National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval, was present at the interaction.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Ashwini Ponnappa embarks on new Mixed Doubles journey with gold in National Games
Ever since she broke into the big league, the lissome Ashwini Ponnappa is used to being in the spotlight. But when she stepped into the badminton court earlier this week at the PDDU Indoor Stadium, she knew that the attention from the Indian badminton community would be even more intense.
After all, the Women’s Doubles’ specialist was embarking on a new journey as a Mixed Doubles player. Her first partner: her own Karnataka statemate K Sai Prateek in the 36th National Games.
On Thursday, she took a successful first step, beating Delhi’s Rohan Kapoor and Kanika Kanwal in straight games to win the gold.
“I am very happy that we started with the National Games title,” 33-year-old Ashwini said after wrapping up their victory. “Incidentally, this is my first gold in the National Games,” she pointed out.
Ashwini has without doubt been one of the finest doubles players in India, having successfully partnered with left-handers Jwala Gutta and N Sikki Reddy in her distinguished career.
After coming through a test by fire in the semifinals against Tamil Nadu’s VR Nardhana and Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ashwini Ponnappa and Sai Prateek were more at ease in the final with a 21-15, 21-13 victory.
Analysing the partnership in its early days, Ashwini said Prateek looks a very confident player. “He hits the shuttle powerfully. He has a strong defence and has good court coverage. It is all about learning one another’s game and finding the right balance. Prateek is a quick learner,” she said.
The 33-year-old admitted the pair needs to be patient. “We don’t know one another's styles yet and we didn’t have too much preparation. This gold will give us confidence,” she said.
Ashwini played the role of senior partner admirably. “I tell him to remain positive on court. We held our nerves. It was not easy. It was our first tournament and, being the top seeds, there was pressure. He dealt with it well. This is what makes a player stronger,” she said, hopeful of forging a strong combination with Sai Prateek.
On his part, 22-year-old Sai Prateek is intent on making the most of the experience of playing with Ashwini. “I have so much to learn from her. I believe she is the best mixed doubles player,’’ he said “I grew up admiring her game. I am now lucky enough to play alongside her. She is always calm on court.”
Talking about her career, Ashwini said her best moments as a doubles player was with Jwala Gutta. “We didn’t think or plan for any game. There was no match preparation as such. We just went into a match with a positive frame of mind. We were confident about one another’s game. It was a different experience. Jwala was a go-getter and very gutsy,” she said.
Ashwini said her partnerships with Sikki and Satwiksairraj Rankireddy were different. “We had to work on our game. It did not come easily. I tend to open up quickly. Now, I have become smarter with my game. I think I have been physically and mentally motivated in the last couple of years. In fact, I’m excited about my new partnership with Prateek.”